§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will amend the regulations affecting the representation of parties at benefit proceedings before statutory authorities, so that the employers shall be notified by the authorities and given the opportunity to answer any allegations that may be made against them at such hearings.
§ Mr. OrmeI assume that the hon. Member is referring to proceedings before national insurance local tribunals and the National Insurance Commissioners. The purpose of these proceedings is solely to determine claims to benefit, and it would be inappropriate for employers, who are not parties to the claims, to have a right of representation at hearings before the determining authorities. Where, however, a claim raises issues which require evidence from an employer he is always invited to give his observations in writing, and where appropriate, he is notified of the hearing of a case so that he may attend to give oral evidence.